Sony RDR-GX7 Operating Instruction

3-081-195-71(1)

DVD Recorder

RDR-GX7

Operating Instructions

© 2003 Sony Corporation

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open
the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.
The AC power cord must be changed
only at a qualified service shop only.

CAUTION

The use of optical instruments with this
product will increase eye ha zard. As the
laser beam used in this DVD recorder is
harmful to eyes, do not attempt to
disassemble the cabinet.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel
only.

Note

This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installa tion.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communicat ions .
However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and

receiver.

– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit

different from that to which the receiver is
connected.

– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV

technician for help.

VCR Plus+ and PlusCode are registered
trademarks of Gemstar Development
Corporation. The VCR Plus+ system is
manufactured under license from
Gemstar Development Corporation.

Precautions

This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits set out in
the EMC Directive using a connection
cable shorter than 3 meters.

On safety

Should any solid o bject or liquid fall into
the cabinet, unplug the recorder and have
it checked by qualified personnel before
operating it any fu rther.

On power sources

• The recorde r is not disconnected from
the AC power source as long as it is
connected to the wall outlet, even if the
recorder itself has been turned off.

• If you are not going to use the recorder
for a long time, be sure to disconnect
the recorder from the wall outlet. To
disconnect the AC power cord, grasp
the plug itself; never pull the cord.

This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of

of electric shock to persons.

CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH
WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,
FULLY INSERT.

For customers in the U.S.A

Owner’s Record

The model and serial numbers are located at the rear
of the unit. Record the serial number in the space
provided below. Refer to them whenever you call
upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. RDR-GX7
Serial No.______________

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any change or modifications
not expressly approved in this manual could void
your authority to operate this equipment.

sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk

This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.

On placement

• Place the recorder in a location with
adequate ventilation to prevent heat
build-up in the recorder.

• Do not place the recorder on a soft
surface such as a rug that might block
the ventilation holes.

• Do not place the recorder in a confined
space such as a bookshelf or similar
unit.

• Do not place the recorder in a location
near heat sources, or in a place subject
to direct sunlight, excessive dust, or
mechanical shock.

• Do not place the recorder in an inclined
position. It is designed to be operated
in a horizontal position only.

• Keep the recorder and discs away from
equipment with strong magnets, such
as microwave ovens, or large
loudspeakers.

• Do not place heavy objects on the
recorder.

• To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
place objects filled with liquids, such
as vases, on the apparatus.

WARNING

2

On operation

• If the recorder is brought directly from
a cold to a warm location, or is placed
in a very damp room, moisture may
condense on the lenses inside the
recorder. Should this occur, the
recorder may not operate properly. In
this case, remove the disc and leave the
recorder turned on for about half an
hour until the moisture evaporates.

• When you move the re c ord e r , ta ke ou t
any discs. If you d on’t, the d isc may be
damaged.

On recording

• Contents of the recording cannot be
compensated if the recording or
playback is not made due to a
malfunction of the recorder, disc, etc.

• Make trial recordings before taking the
actual recording.

On adjusting volume

Do not turn up the volume while
listening to a section with very low level
inputs or no audio signals. If you do, the
speakers may be damaged when a peak
level section is played.

On cleaning

Clean the cabinet, panel, and controls
with a soft cloth slightly moist ened with
a mild detergent soluti on. Do not use a ny
type of abrasiv e pad, scouri ng powder or
solvent such as alcohol or benzine.

On cleaning discs

Do not use a commercially available
cleaning disc. It may cause a
malfunction.

Copyrights

• Television programs, films, video
tapes, discs, a nd other mate rials may be
copyrighted. Unauthorized recor ding
of such materia l may be c ontrary to the
provisions of the copy right laws. A lso,
use of this recorder with cable
television transmission may require
authorization from the c able tele vision
transmitter and/or program owner.

• This product incorporates copyright
protection technology that is protected
by U.S. patent s and other intell ectual
property rights. Use of this copyright
protection technology must be
authorized by Macrovision, and is
intended for home and other limited
viewing uses only unless otherwise
authorized by Macrov ision. Reverse
engineering or disassembly is
prohibited.

Copy guard function

Since the recorder has a copy guard
function, programs received throug h an
external tuner (not supplied) may
contain copy protection signals (copy
guard function) and as such may not be
recordable, depending on the type of
signal.

Music discs encoded with
copyright protection
technologies

This product is designed to playback
discs that conform to the Compact Disc
(CD) standard.
Recently, various music discs encoded
with copyright protection technologies
are marketed by some record companies.
Please be aware that among those discs,
there are some that do not conform to the
CD standard and may not be playable by
this product.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Caution: This recorder is capable of
holding a still video image or on- screen
display image on your te levision screen
indefinitely. If you leave the still v ide o
image or on-screen display image
displayed on yo ur TV for an extended
period of time you risk permanent
damage to your television screen.
Plasma display panels and projection
televisions are especially susceptible to
this.

If you have any ques ti ons or problems
concerning your recorder, please consult
your nearest Sony dealer.

INPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS

1 Read these instructions.
2 Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
6 Clean only with dry cloth.
7 Do not block any ventilation

openings. Install in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.

8 Do not install near any heat sources

such as radiators, heat resisters,
stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) th at produce heat.

9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of

the polarized or g rounding-typ e plug.
A polarized plug has two blades with
one wider than the other. A grounding
type plug has two blades an d a thi r d
grounding prong. The wide blade or
the third prong are provided for your
safety. If the provided plu g do e s not
fit into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.

10 Protect the power cord from being

walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and
the point where they exit from the
apparatus.

11 Only use attachments/accessories

specified by the manufacturer.

12 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,

bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.

13 Unplug this apparatus during

lightning storms or when unused for
long periods of time.

14 Refer all servicing to qualified

service personal. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such a power­supply cord or plug is damaged,
liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally,
or has been dropped.

Notes about the discs

• To keep the disc clean , ha ndle the disc
by its edge. Do not touch the surface.
Dust, fingerprints, or scratches on the
disc may cause it to malfunction.

• Do not expose the disc to direct
sunlight or heat sources such as hot air
ducts, or leave it in a car parked in
direct sunlight as the temperature may
rise considerably inside the car.

• After playing, store th e disc in its cas e .

• Clean the disc with a cl eaning cloth.
Wipe the disc from the center out.

• Do not use solvents such as benzine,
thinner, commercially available
cleaners, or anti-static spray int ended
for vinyl LPs.

• Do not use the following discs.

–A disc that has a non-standard sha p e

(e.g., card, heart).

–A disc with a label or sticker on it.
–A disc that has cellophane tape or

sticker adhesive on it.

Precautions

3

Table of Contents

WARNING ...................................................2

Precautions ................................................2

Notes about the discs..................................... 3

Features ........................ .............................. 6

Recording....................................................... 6

Playback......................................................... 6

Editing a disc.................................................. 6

DV Edit........................................................... 7

About This Manual .....................................7

DVD Recorder Basics ................................8

Guide to Parts and Controls ...................11

Front panel ...................................................11

Remote .........................................................12

Front panel display....................................... 14

Rear panel ....................................................14

Basic Hookups and Settings

Quick Overview ........................................15

Step 1: Unpacking ...................................16

Step 2: Connecting the Antenna

Cable ..................................... ...............16

Step 3: Connecting the Video Cords .....18

Step 4: Connecting the Audio Cords .....19

Step 5: Connecting the Power Cord ......22

Step 6: Preparing the Remote ................22

Step 7: Easy Setup ..................................22

Setting Up the VCR Plus

Setting Up the Remote ............................26

Controlling TVs with the remote................... 26

Controlling the volume of your AV amplifi er

(receiver) with the remote....................... 27

If you have a Sony DVD player or more than

one Sony DVD recorder......................... 28

Connecting a VCR or Similar Recording

Device to the LINE Jacks ...................29

Connecting to a Satellite Receiver or a

Cable Box .................................... ...... ..30

Operating the Recorder

Guide to Displays ....................................31

System Menu............................................... 31

Title List........................................................ 32

TOOLS............................................. ..... ...... . 32

Sub-menu..................................................... 33

How to Use the Displays .........................33

How to Enter Characters .........................34

Recording/Timer Recording

Before Recording .....................................35

Recordable discs......................................... . 35

About recording formats ............................... 36

Recording mode........................................... 36

Unrecordable pictures.................................. 36

Checking the available disc space

(Disc Info.).............................................. 37

Recording TV programs ..........................38

®

System .........25

Using the Quick Timer function.................... 39

Recording a stereo program and SAP......... 39

Checking the disc status while recording..... 40

Creating chapters in a title ........................... 40

Timer Recording ..................................... 40

Setting the timer manually (Standard).......... 40

Checking/changing/canceling timer setting s

(Timer List)............................................. 42

Changing the priority of overlapped

settings................................................... 43

Recording TV programs using the VCR Plus+

system.................................................... 44

Adjusting the Recording Picture Quality

and Size .............................................. 46

Recording from External Equipment with a

Timer (Synchro Rec) .......................... 47

Playback

Before Playing ......................................... 49

Playable discs.............................................. 49

Playing Discs ........................................... 50

Using the DVD’s Menu................................. 51

Using the PROGRESSIVE button................ 51

Basic operations/Changing the playback

speed...................................................... 52

Selecting a Recorded Title on a Disc .... 53

Searching for a Title/Chapter/Track ...... 55

Checking the Play Information and Playing

Time .................................................... 56

Checking the playing time on the front panel

display.................................................... 57

Selecting the Sound ............................... 57

Checking the audio signal format................. 58

TV Virtual Surround Settings (TVS) ...... 58

Changing the Angles .............................. 59

Displaying the Subtitles ......................... 60

Adjusting the Playback Picture and

Sound .................................... .............. 60

Adjusting the picture quality......................... 60

Adjusting the sound quality.......................... 61

Editing a DVD

Before Editing ......................................... 62

Checking the disc type, recording format, and

title type.................................................. 62

Edit options for DVD-RWs (Video mode)/

DVD+RWs/DVD-Rs................................ 62

Edit options for DVD-RWs (VR mode)......... 63

Basic Editing ........................................... 64

Labeling a title (Title Name)......................... 64

Protecting a title (Protect Title)..................... 64

Erasing a title (Erase)................................... 65

Erasing multiple titles (Erase Titles)............. 65

Erasing a section of a title (A-B Erase)........ 66

Creating chapters manually ......................... 67

Advanced Editing (Playlist Edit) ............ 67

Creating a Playlist title from other titles........ 67

Moving a Playlist title (Move Title)................ 70

Dividing a Playlist title (Divide Title)............. 70

Combining multiple Playlist titles (Combine

Titles)...................................................... 71

Additional Playlist edit functions................... 71

Table of Contents

4

Labeling, Protecting, or Finalizing the

Disc ..................................................... 72

Labeling a disc (Disc Name) ....................... 72

Protecting a disc (Protect Disc)................... 72

Finalizing a disc (Finalize)........................... 73

Erasing all the titles on the disc

(Erase All).............................................. 73

Reformatting a disc (Format)....................... 74

Connecting a Digita l Video Camera
or Other Equipment

Before Recording/Editing ....................... 75

Preparing for recording using the DV IN

jack ........................................................ 75

Available DV Dubbing Functions .......... 77

Recording an Entire DV/Digital8 Format

Tape (ONE TOUCH DUB) ................... 78

Program Edit ........................................... 79

Advanced Program Edit ........ ....... ...... .... 81

Re-editing the “program” in the DV/D8 Edit

List ...................................................... 84

Creating a Copy of the Edited Contents

(Copy Dubbing) ................. ....... ...... .... 86

Recording From Equipment Connected to

the LINE IN Jacks ............................... 88

Connecting other equipment to the LINE 2 IN

jacks....................................................... 88

Recording from connected equipment........ 88

Settings and Adjustments

About the Setup Display Structure ....... 90

Using the Setup Displays ....................... 91

Settings (Basic Settings) ........................ 92

Video Settings ......................................... 94

Audio Settings ......................................... 95

Features Settings .......................... ...... .... 97

Options Settings ..................................... 99

Easy Setup

(Resetting the Recorder) ................. 100

Additional Information

Troubleshooting .................................. .. 101

Self-diagnosis Function

(When letters/numbers appear in the

display) ............................................. 104

Specifications ................... ............. ........ 105

About i.LINK .......................................... 106

About the Name “i.LINK”........................... 106

i.LINK Baud rate........................................ 106

i.LINK functions on this recorder............... 106

Required i.LINK Cable............................... 106

Glossary ..................... ............. ....... ........ 107

Language Code List .............................. 108

Index ........................... ............. ............. .. 109

Quick Guide to DVD Disc Types

................................................back cover

Table of Contents

5

Features

This recorder can play DVDs or CDs, record on DVD-Rs, DVD­RWs or DVD+RWs, and by using a variety of editing functions,
you can enjoy editing rec or d ed pr og ra m s an d oth e r ima ges .

Recording

Dual RW compatible (page 35)

The recorder is compatible with rewritable disc types, DVD-RW
and DVD+RW, and the write-once type, DVD-R. These
available disc types accommodate a wide range of uses, such as
recording programs and creating personal video libraries. These
discs can be played back on a wide variety of other DVD
equipment.

DVD-RW
DVD+RW

DVD-R

Playback

Easy playback with the Title List menu

(page 53)

The recorder will display all of the titl es you reco rded o n a disc
in a list display, called the “Tit le List.” By se lecti ng a title fro m
the Title List menu, you can easi ly start playing or editing the
disc. Moreover, you can have the recorder show the title’s
contents using thumbnail images.
The recorder also automatically ta kes program label information
from the XDS (Extended Data Service)* and displays it as the
title name.

* not availa ble in some areas

Title List

My Movies

TITLE LIST ORIGINAL

-RW.VR

Sort

Date
Number
Title

1 2ch 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Mon 9/15 1:00PM( 1H00M) SP
2 5ch 8:00PM - 9:00PM
Wed 9/17 8:00PM( 1H00M) SLP
3 12ch 9:00AM - 9:30AM
Thu 9/25 9:00AM( 0H30M)
4 3ch 8:00PM - 8:30PM
Thu 9/25 8:00PM( 0H30M) SLP

TV Virtual Surround Settings, “TVS” (page 58)

Using only your TV’s stereo speakers, the recorder is capable of
reproducing dynamic surround so und from DVD-Video
software’s multi-channel audio signals. T here are fou r surround
modes to choose from.

1.5/4.7GB

2ch

5ch

12ch

EP

3ch

Various recording/timer recording functions

(page 35)

In addition to the usual recording functions, such as Timer
Recording and VCR Plus+, Synchro Rec allows synchronized
recording with a set top box or similar device.

Automatic searching for recording space

(page 37)

The recorder automatically searches for available blank space on
the disc after you press the Rec bu tton. No sear ching i s required
on your part – a feature possible only with a DVD recorder.

Adjustments for both recording and playback
picture (page 46, 60)

The recorder allows you to adj ust the picture quality of input
sources, such as a VCR, which can then be recorded on a DVD.
For instance, if you want to create an archive of your VHS tapes,
you can adjust the recording pi cture quality to compensate for
the quality of the tapes. Various picture quality adjustments are
also available for DVD-Video software playback.

Editing a disc

Playlist edit (DVD-RW in VR mode only)

(page 67)

You can edit not only the recorded origina l title, but also perform
advanced edit functions by crea tin g a Play list on the same disc.
Since a Playlist does not require much disc space, you can create
numerous Playlist titles. A Playlist edit can be redone as many
times as you like, as the original title remains unchanged.

Chapter Marking function (page 67)

On DVD-RWs in VR mode, you can manually insert chapter
marks to divide a title into chapters which will enable you to
quickly find specific scenes for playback or editing. For other
disc types and recording formats, the recorder automatically
creates chapter marks at specified interval s while recording.

Quick Search function (page 52)

The remote has a Jog Stick for the recorder’s main operations.
You can search forward or backwards, or play at various speeds
by using just your thumb. The feature helps you fin d sce nes
easily, which is especially useful for both playback and editing.

Search

6

Jog Stick

Slow motion

Features

DV Edit

Only one i.LINK cable is required to tran sfer contents from a
digital video camera to the DVD recorder. Since the recorder
controls the digital video camera, dubbing and editing are easy
to perform.

Control

Dubbing

One Touch Dubbing function (page 78)

One press on the ONE TOUCH DUB button is enough to
complete the procedure. Th e recorder controls the digital video
camera from start to finish — from playing the DV/Digital8
format tape to stop and rewind. The en tire tape contents are
dubbed to a DVD in the process.

About This Manual

Instructions in this manual describe the controls on the remote.
You can also use the controls on the reco rder if they have the
same or similar names as those on the remote.
The meanings of the icons used in this manual are described
below:

Icon Meaning

Functions availa ble for DVD VIDE O s or
DVD+Rs

Functions available for DVD-RWs
formatted in VR mode on this recorder

Functions available for DVD-RWs
formatted in Vide o mode on this recorder

Functions available for DVD+RWs
Functions available for DVD-Rs
Functions available for music CDs or CD-

Rs/CD-RWs in music CD format

Program Edit (page 79)

This function allows you to select scenes on a DV/Digital8
format tape and save them on recordable DVDs, including n on­rewritable DVD-Rs. The recorder controls the digital video
camera to record the contents of a DV/Digital8 format tape to the
disc as programmed. The recorder will remember which scenes
you selected and saves this information as a program. You can
call up a program a t a n y ti me a nd m a ke a dditional copies of the
program to DVDs.

Advanced Program Edit (page 81)

This function takes adv a nta g e of a DV D ’s ran do m acce s s
capabilities to enable fast and flexible editing.
The recorder copies the entire contents of a DV/Digital8 format
tape to a DVD-RW in VR mode, whereupon the contents are
automatically divid ed into chapters. The chapters are displayed
as scenes in a scene list where you can instantly delete or
rearrange the scenes at will. The recorde r remembers which
scenes you selected, and saves this information as a program.
You can call up a program at any time and make additional
copies of the program to a DVD.

Auto Scene Chaptering (DVD-RW in VR mode
only) (page 78, 79, 81)

While copying a DV/Digital8 format tape to a DVD-RW, the
recorder automatically inserts chapter marks at each point where
you started recording on your digital video camera. This enables
you to quickly find the scenes you want during playback and
editing.

Notes

• The on-screen display illustrations used in this manual may not match
the graphics displayed on yo ur TV screen.

• T he e xpl anations regarding discs in this man ua l re fer t o disc s cre at e d
on this recorder. The explanations do not apply to discs that are created
on other recorders and pla yed back on this recorder.

About This Manual

7

DVD Recorder Basics

Step 1: Select the disc type

Unlike a video tape which is sold by length, such
as 60 min. or 120 min., recordable DVDs are sold
by type. Select the disc type by following the
chart on the back cover, as each type has different
features.
This recorder can record on the following type of
discs.

When you want to record repeatedly on the same
disc, or when you want to edit the disc after
recording, select either the rewritable DVD-RW
or DVD+RW type disc.

When you want to save recordings without any
alteration, a non-rewritable DVD-R can be your
choice.

“What can I expect from DVD recording?” is a
natural question for anyone new to the experience.
This section explains the basic steps involved with
DVD recording.

Note

There are other differences besides just being
rewritable/non-rewritable.

See “Quick Guide to DVD Disc Types” on the back cover
to select a disc most suitable for your needs.

Step 2: Format the disc to start recording

Insert the disc in the recorder. Unlike a VCR, the
recorder automatically starts formatting when an
unused disc is inserted. This is necessary to
prepare the disc for recording.

When using a DVD-RW

This type of disc can be formatted in either DVD
Video format (Video mode) or DVD Video
Recording format (VR mode). Video mode discs
can be played back on a variety of other DVD
equipment.VR mode discs allow for more varied
editing.

When using a DVD+RW

These discs will be formatted in DVD+RW Video
format. This type of disc can be played back on a
variety of other DVD equipment.

When using a DVD-R

These discs will be formatted in DVD-Video
format. This type of disc can be played back
on a variety of other DVD equipment.

Notes

• You cannot mix two formats in one DVD-RW.

• You can change a DVD-RW’s format to the other
format. However, the disc’s contents will be lost
when reformatting.

• Not all discs can be played on other DVD equipment.

When formatting is complete, you are
ready to record on the disc.

DVD Recorder Basics

8

Step 3: Digital Recording

Record a program. When using the timer, you’ll
find familiar, convenient features as found on
conventional VCRs, such as VCR Plus+. You can
also dub and edit the contents of connected video
equipment such as a digital video camera.

Step 4: Playing the recorded contents

You can select the title you want to play from a
displayed menu, and immediately start playback.
Recorded contents are more accessible on a disc
than on a tape, the procedure is simple, and
unlike conventional VCRs, no rewinding is
necessary!

What are titles and chapters?

DVD contents consist of sections, called titles,
and smaller sub-sections called chapters.
On this recorder, a title is created between the
points where you start and stop a recording.
Chapters are created automatically at specified
intervals, or can be created manually (DVD-RWs
in VR mode only).

Go to the next page.

A recorded disc contains title(s), and each title
contains chapter(s)

Start Rec. Stop/Start

Title 1

Chapters

Title 2

Chapters

Chapter marksChapter marks

Stop Rec.

,continued

DVD Recorder Basics

9

Step 5: Editing the recorded disc

You will find editing discs a lot easier than a
conventional tape, and the recorder offers
numerous edit functions, possible only with
DVDs.

Quick and easy edits on the displayed menu

Editing is performed by simply selecting titles
and scenes from the displayed menus.

Protection of individual titles

With conventional VCRs, you had to protect an
entire tape to save the recordings from erasure
or alteration. This recorder allows you to
individually protect recorded titles (except for
Playlist titles).

Edit and save on a single disc
– Playlist edit (DVD-RWs in VR mode only)

To edit a conventional tape without affecting the
original recording, you had to connect another
VCR, copy the master tape using the two VCRs
and one more tape, and start editing the copied
tape.

With this recorder, you can create
a Playlist (playback information) on the same
disc, and edit the Playlist without changing the
original recording(s). A Playlist does not take up
much disc space, and all you need is one
recorder and one disc.

Example: You have recorded a few football
games on a DVD-RW in VR mode. You want to
save the original recording, but you also want to
create a digest by putting the goal scenes
together. In this case, you can create a Playlist
by selecting just the goal scenes, leaving the
original recording as it is.

Original

Playlist

You’ve got your own DVD!

Playing on other DVD equipment

For your DVD to play on other equipment,
finalizing may be necessary in some cases. If so,
finish up all your editing and recording first, and
then finalize the disc.

When using a DVD-RW in VR mode

Although finalizing is generally unnecessary
when playing the disc on VR mode compatible
equipment, playback on some equipment requires
a finalized disc. You can still edit and record on
the disc even after finalizing.

When using a DVD+RW

The recorder automatically finalizes a disc before
ejecting it. Finalizing in this case still allows you
to further edit or record on the disc.

When using a DVD-RW in Video mode

The disc needs to be finalized first to enable
playback on anything other than this recorder.
No more editing or recording can be made on
the disc once it has been finalized. To enable
recording on the disc again, you will need to
format it again. (Reformatting will erase all
previous contents.)

When using a DVD-R

You will need to finalize the disc to play it on
equipment other than this recorder. You cannot
edit or record on the disc once it has been
finalized.

DVD Recorder Basics

10

Guide to Parts and Controls

For more information, see the pages in parentheses.

Front panel

Buttons on the recorder have the same
function as the buttons on the remote if
they have the same or similar names.

Open the
panel.

A @/1 (on/standby) button/

indicator (22, 38)

Turns the recorder on and off.
Lights up in green when the
power is on.

B Front panel display (14, 57)

Displays the playing status,
title/chapter/time, etc.

C Disc tray (38)

Opens to accept a disc.

D (remote sensor) (22)

Accepts the remote control
signal.

E Disc type indicators

Lights up to indicate the disc/
format type of the current disc.

F A (open/close) button (38)

Opens or closes the disc tray.

G H (play) button/indicator (50)

Plays a disc.

H X (pause) button/indicator

(52)

Pauses playing a disc.

I x (stop) button (51)

Stops playing a disc.

J z REC button/indicator (38)

Starts recording.

K X REC PAUSE button/indicator

(39)

Pauses recording.

L x REC STOP button (39)

Stops recordi ng.

M SYNCHRO REC indicator (47)

Lights up wh en the Synchro
Rec function is set to on.

TIMER REC indicator (40)

Lights up when a timer
recording is set.

FINALIZED indicator (73)

Lights up if an inserted dis c has
been finalized.

PROGRESSIVE indicator (51)

Lights up when outputting
progressive signals.

N ZOOM +/– buttons (32)

Switches the information
displayed in the Title List
menu.

O CURSOR MODE button (32)

Switches the cursor/page mode
in the Title List, etc.

P TOOLS button (32)

Displays the TOOLS menu.

Q </M/m/,/ENTER button

(33)

Selects items or settings.

R RETURN button (33)

Returns to the previously
selected display, etc.

S SYSTEM MENU butt on (31)

Displays the System Menu on
the TV screen.

T ONE TOUCH DUB button (78)

Records the contents of a DV/
Digital8 format tape with a
single touch of the button.

U REC MODE button (38)

Selects the recording mode.

V ./> (previous/next)

buttons (52)

Goes to the next title/chapter/
track, or goes back to the
previous title/chapter/track.

W CHANNEL +/– buttons (38)

Selects the channel or input
line.

X PROGRESSIVE button (51)

Switches the output signal,
progressive or interlace.

Y INPUT SELECT butt on

(38, 75, 88)

Selects equipment connected to
the line inputs.

Z LINE 2 IN (S VIDEO/VIDEO/

AUDIO L/R) jacks (88)

Connects external equipment.

wj DV IN jack (76)

Connects digital equipment
with a DV jack.

Guide to Parts and Controls

,continued

11

Remote

Buttons on the remote have the same functio n as the but ton s on
the recorder if they ha ve the same or similar names. Buttons with
an orange dot next to them can be used with your T V when the
TV/DVD switch is set to TV.

Slide the
cover.

A TV/DVD switch (26)

Switches the remote control to TV or DVD.

B Z OPEN/CLOSE button (38)

Opens or closes the disc tray. Note that it may take a
few seconds for the disc tray to open after you have
recorded or edited a disc.

C Number buttons (38, 44)

Select a number such as a channel or a title number.
The number 5 button has a tactile dot.*

D CLEAR button (44)

Cancels an entered number when used with this
recorder.

E SUBTITLE button (60)

Changes the subtitles while playing a disc.

F AUDIO button (57)

Changes the sound while playing a disc.
The button has a tactile dot.*

G [TIMER] button (40, 44)

Displays the Timer programming menu on the TV
screen.

H TOP MENU button (51)

Displays the disc’s menu on the TV screen.

I DISPLAY button (40, 56)

Displays disc information or playi ng/reco rdi n g
status on the TV screen.

J TIME/TEXT button (56)

Displays the time information of the disc.

K SYSTEM MENU button (31)

Displays the System Menu on the TV screen.

L TITLE LIST button (32, 53, 64)

Displays the Title List menu on the TV screen.

M CURSOR MODE button (32)

Switches the cursor/page mode in the Title List, etc.

N RETURN button (33)

Returns to the previously selected display, etc.

O . PREV (previous) button (52)

Goes back to the previous title/chapter/track.

P m / M (search) Jog Stick (52)

Searches fast-forward or reverses a scene (while
playing a disc), or plays a disc in slow motion or
frame by frame (in the pause mode).

Q H PLAY button (50)

Plays a disc.
The button has a tactile dot.*

R X PAUSE button (52)

Pauses playing a disc.

Guide to Parts and Controls

12

S z REC button (38)

Starts recording.

r; CHAPTER MARK/ERASE buttons (67)

Inserts/erases a chapter mark in the recorded title.

T REC MODE button (38)

Selects the recording mode.

U INPUT SELECT button (38, 75, 88)

Selects equipment connected to the line inputs.

V SYNCHRO REC button (47)

Synchronizes the recorder and the timer recording set
on the connected external equipment.

W

[/1 (on/standby) button (38)

Turns the recorder on and off.

X CH (channel) +/– buttons (38)

Selects the channel or input line.

Y VOL (volume) +/– buttons (26)

Adjusts the volume of your TV or AV amplifier
(receiver).

Z SET button (34)

Use to enter the number selected with the number
buttons 3.

wj TV/VIDEO button (26)

Switches your TV’s input source.

wk ANGLE button (59)

Changes the angles when playing a DVD VIDEO.

ra SUR (surround) button (58)

Selects the surround mode.

rs COMMAND MODE switch (DVD 1,2,3) (28)

Switches the command mode for this recorder.
Match the switch to the same command mode set in
the Options Setup (page 99).

* Use the tactile dot as a reference when operating the recorder.

wl WIDE MODE button (26)

Changes the wide mode settings of your TV.

e; MENU butto n (51)

Displays the disc’s menu on the TV screen.

ea INSTANT SEARCH button (52)

Briefly fast forwards the current scene.

es INSTANT REPLAY button (52)

Replays the current scene.

ed TOOLS button (32)

Displays the TOOLS menu.

ef ZOOM +/– buttons (32)

Switches the information displayed in the Title List
menu.

eg </M/m/,/(ENTER) button (33)

Selects items or settings.

eh > NEXT button (52)

Goes to the next title/chapter/track.

ej x STOP button (51)

Stops playing a disc.

ek x REC STOP button (39)

Stops recording.

el X REC PAUSE button (39)

Pauses recording.

Guide to Parts and Controls

,continued

13

Front panel display

A Command mode in dicator (28,

99)

Indicates the selected remote
command mode.

B ANGLE indicator (59)

Lights up when you can change
the angle.

E SAP (Second Audio Program)

indicator (39)

Lights up when receiving a
SAP signal.

F CATV indicator

Lights up when receiving a
Cable TV programs.

C PLAYLIST indicator (32)

Lights up when the Playlist is
selected.

D STEREO indicators (39)

Lights up when receiving a
stereo program.

z Hint

You can turn off the front panel display by setting “Dimmer” to “Display Off” in Options Setup (page 99).

Rear panel

G Displays the following (57):

• Playing time/remaining time

• Current title/chapter/track/
index number

• Recording time

•Clock

• Channel

H Audio signal indicators (58)

Lights up when playing Dolby
Digital or DTS sound tracks.

VHF/UHF

IN

OUT

CONTROL S IN

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

COAXIAL

OPTICAL

A VHF/UHF IN/OUT jacks (16)

Connects antenna cables.

B COMPONENT VIDEO OUT (Y,

B, PR) jacks (18)

P

Connects equipment having
component video input jacks.

C AC IN terminal (22)

Connects the power cord.

D LINE OUT (S VIDEO/VIDEO/

AUDIO L/R) 1/2 jacks (18, 20)

Connects the input of external
equipment using an audio/
video or S VIDEO cord.

LINE IN LINE OUT

S VIDEO

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

1

3

1

2

R-AUDIO-L

VIDEO

S VIDEO

E LINE IN (S VIDEO/VIDEO/AUDIO

L/R) 1/3 jacks (29)

Connects the output of external
equipment using an audio/
video or S VIDEO cord.

F DIGITAL OUT (COAXIAL/

OPTICAL) jacks (20)

Connects an amplifier
(receiver) having a digital input
jack.

G CONTROL S IN jack (18)

Connects equipment having a
CONTROL S jack.

Y

P

B

P

R

COMPONENT

VIDEO OUT

~

AC IN

Guide to Parts and Controls

14

Quick Overview

Basic Hookups and Settings

A quick overview presented in this guide will give you enough
information to start using the recorder.

Step 1: Unpacking

m

Step 2: Connecting the Antenna Cable

m

Step 3: Connecting the Video Cords

m

Step 4: Connecting the Audio Cords

m

Step 5: Connecting the Power Cord

m

Step 6: Preparing the Remote

m

Basic Hookups and Settings

• Quick Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page15

• Step 1: Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page16

• Step 2: Connecting the Antenna Cable

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page16

• Step 3: Connecting the Video Cords. . .page 18

• Step 4: Connecti ng the Audio Cords

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page19

• Step 5: Connecting the Power Cord. . .page 22

• Step 6: Preparing the Remote . . . . . . .page 22

• Step 7: Easy Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 22

• Setting up the VCR Plus

R

System. . . .page 25

Step 7: Easy Setup

Notes

• You cannot connect this recorder to a TV t h a t doe s not have a video
input jack.

• Be sure t o disc onnect the power cord of eac h com ponent before
connecting.

• Setting Up the Remote. . . . . . . . . . . . .page 26

• Connecting a VCR or Similar Recording Device to

the LINE Jacks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 29

• Connecting to a Satellite Receiver or a Cable Box

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page30

Quick Overview

15

Step 1: Unpacking

Check that you have the following items:

• Audio/video cord (pinplug × 3 y pinplug × 3) (1)

• Power cord (1)

• Antenna cable (1)

• Remote commander (remote) (1)

• Size AA (R6) batteries (2)

Hookup 1: Antenna only (no cable TV), or cable without cable box

Use this hookup if you are using a VHF/UHF antenna or separate
VHF and UHF antennas. Also use this hookup if you watch cable
channels without cable box. With this hookup, you c a n record
any non-scrambled channel by selecting the channel on th e
recorder.

Step 2: Connecting the Antenna Cable

Select one of the following antenna hookups that best suits you
below. Do not connect the power cord until you reach “Step 5:

Connecting the Po w e r C ord” (page 22).

If you have Use

Antenna only (no cable TV), or cable
without cable box

Cable box with many scra mbled channels Hookup 2

Cable box with a few scram bled channels Hookup 3

Note to CATV system installer (in USA)

This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s
attention to Article 820- 40 of the NEC that provides guidelin es
for proper ground ing and, in particular, specifies that the cable
ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the
building, as close to the point of cable entry as pra cti cal.

Hookup 1

(page 16)

(page 17)

(page 17)

to VHF/UHF IN

VHF/UHF

IN

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

LINE IN LINE OUT

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

COAXIAL

VHF/UHF

IN

OUT

1

OPTICAL

3

OUT

CONTROL S IN

to VHF/UHF OUT

to antenna input

Antenna cable (supplied)

: Signal flow

DVD recorder

~

1

2

P

B

P

R

COMPONENT

VIDEO OUT

Y

S VIDEO

S VIDEO

R-AUDIO-L

VIDEO

AC IN

TV

Notes

• If your antenna is a flat cable (300-ohm twin lead cable), use an

external ante nna conn ector (not supplie d) to conn ect the ant enna to th e
recorder.

• If you have separate cables for VHF and UHF antennas, use a UH F /

VHF band mixe r (not suppl ied ) to connect the antenna to the recorder.

Step 1: Unpacking

16

Hookup 2: Connecting a cable box with

Hookup 3: Connecting a cable box with

many scrambled channels

Use this hookup if your cable system scrambles all or most
channels.
With this hookup:
–You can record any unscrambled channel by selecting the

channel on the cable bo x. Be sure that the cable box is turne d
on.

–You cannot record one channel while watching another

channel.

Wall

Cable box

IN
OUT

VHF/UHF

IN

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

LINE IN LINE OUT

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

COAXIAL

OPTICAL

VHF/UHF

IN

1

3

OUT

CONTROL S IN

S VIDEO

S VIDEO

VIDEO

R-AUDIO-L

1

2

to VHF/UHF IN

Y

P

B

P

R

COMPONENT

VIDEO OUT

DVD recorder

~

AC IN

only a few scrambled channels

Use this hookup if your cable system scrambles onl y a few
channels.
With this hookup:
–You ca n record any non-scr a mbled channel by selecting the

channel on the recorder.

–You cannot record scrambled channels that require a cable box.

Wall

DVD recorder

VHF/UHF

IN

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

LINE IN LINE OUT

S VIDEO

R-AUDIO-L

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

COAXIAL

1

OUT

CONTROL S IN

OPTICAL

VHF/UHF

IN

1

3

2

Y

S VIDEO

VIDEO

P

B

P

R

COMPONENT

VIDEO OUT

to VHF/UHF IN

OUT

to VHF/UHF OUT

~

AC IN

Basic Hookups and Settings

OUT

to VHF/UHF OUT

TV

to antenna
input

Antenna cable (supplied)

: Signal flow

z Hint

If the cable box has the audio/v ideo output jacks, connect them to the
LINE IN 1 or 3 jacks of this rec o rde r. Y ou can record unscrambled
channels by setting the recorder’s input to “L1” or “L3. ”

Note

When connecting the cable box with the antenn a hookup only, set the
recorder to the channel where the signal from the ca bl e box appears on
the TV screen.

Cable box

IN
OUT

Antenna cable (supplied)

: Signal flow

TV

to antenna
input

Step 2: Connecting the Antenna Cable

17

Step 3: Connecting the Video Cords

Connect this recorder to your TV monitor, projector, or AV
amplifier (receiver) using a video cord. Sel ect one of the
following patterns A through C, according to the in put jack on
your TV monitor, projector, or AV amplifier (receiver). This will
enable you to view pictures. Audio connections are explained in
“Step 4: Connecting the Audio Cords” (page 19).

If you are connecting to a VCR

Connect your VCR to the LINE IN (VIDEO) j a ck on the
recorder (page 29).

A Connecting to a video input jack

Connect the yellow plug of the audio/video cord (supplied) to the
yellow (video) jacks. You will enjoy standard quality images.
Use the red and white plugs to connect to the audio input jacks
(page 20).

VHF/UHF

IN

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

LINE IN LINE OUT

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

COAXIAL

OUT

CONTROL S IN

1

OPTICAL

3

S VIDEO

S VIDEO

VIDEO

R-AUDIO-L

1

2

Y

P

B

P

R

COMPONENT

VIDEO OUT

DVD recorder

~

AC IN

C Connecting to component video
input jacks (Y, P

Connect the component via the COMPONENT VIDEO OUT jacks
using a component vi deo cord (not supplie d) or t hree video cords
(not suppli ed) of t he sa me ki nd and l eng th . You wil l en joy a cc ur ate
color reproduction and high quality images. If your TV accepts
progressive (480p) format signals, you must use this connection and
then press PROGRESSIVE on the front panel to accept progressive
video signals. See “Using the PROGRESSIVE button” (page 51) for
more information.

VHF/UHF

IN

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

COAXIAL

OUT

CONTROL S IN

Y

P

B

R

P

COMPONENT

VIDEO OUT

1

OPTICAL

3

(green)

(blue)

(red)

: Signal flow

B, PR)

LINE IN LINE OUT

S VIDEO

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

R-AUDIO-L

1

2

to COMPONENT
VIDEO OUT

Component video
cord (not supplied)

DVD recorder

~

Y

S VIDEO

VIDEO

P

B

P

R

COMPONENT

VIDEO OUT

(green)

AC IN

COMPONENT

VIDEO IN

Y

(blue)

(red)

PB

PR

TV, projector, or AV
amplifier (receiver)

LINE OUT

S VIDEO

1

2

R-AUDIO-L

VIDEO

to LINE OUT (VIDEO) 1 or 2

(yellow)

(yellow)

INPUT

VIDEO

L

Audio/video cord (sup plied)

AUDIO

R

TV, projector, or AV

: Signal flow

amplifier (receiver)

B Connecting to an S VIDEO input jack

Connect using an S VIDEO cord (not supplied). You will enjoy
high quality images.

VHF/UHF

IN

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

LINE IN LINE OUT

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

COAXIAL

OUT

CONTROL S IN

1

OPTICAL

3

S VIDEO

S VIDEO

VIDEO

R-AUDIO-L

1

2

Y

P

B

P

R

COMPONENT
VIDEO OUT

DVD recorder

~

AC IN

When connecting to a standard 4:3 screen TV

Depending on the disc, the image may not fit your TV screen. To
change the aspect ration, see page 94.

If your TV has a CONTROL S jack

You can control the recorder by operatin g the remote toward the
TV. This feature is convenient when you placed the recorder and
the TV away from each other.
After connecting the recorder to other equipment in pattern A,
B, or C above, connect the CONTROL S IN jack to your TV’s
CONTROL S (OUT) jack using a control S cord (not supplied).
Refer to the instructions supplied with the TV to be connected.

VHF/UHF

IN

OUT

CONTROL S IN

CONTROL S IN

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

COAXIAL

OPTICAL

LINE IN LINE OUT

S VIDEO

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

1

3

R-AUDIO-L

1

2

to CONTROL S IN

VIDEO

S VIDEO

DVD recorder

Y

P

B

P

R

COMPONENT

VIDEO OUT

~

AC IN

LINE OUT

1

2

R-AUDIO-L

VIDEO

S VIDEO

S VIDEO cord (not suppli ed)

: Signal flow

Step 3: Connecting the Video Cords

18

to LINE OUT (S VIDEO) 1 or 2

TV, projector, or AV
amplifier (receiver)

INPUT

S VIDEO

: Signal flow

Control S cord (not supplied)

CONTROL S

TV

Note

Consumers should note that not all high definition television sets are
fully comp atible with this product an d may cause artifacts to be
displayed in the picture. In the ca se of 480 progressive scan picture
problems, it is recommended th at the user switch the connection to the
‘standard definition’ output. If there are questions regarding our TV set
compatibility with this mo de l 480 p DVD recor de r , ple ase con ta ct our
customer service center.

Step 4: Connecting the Audio Cords

Select the connection that best suits your system. Be sure to read
the instructions for the components you wish to connect.

Basic Hookups and Settings

Connection Your setup

A

TV

• Surround effect s : Dynamic, Wide

B

Stereo amplifier (receiver) and
two speakers

• Surround effects: Standard

MD deck/DAT deck

• Surround effec t s : No ne

C

AV amplifier (receiver) having a
Dolby Surround ( Pro Logic)
decoder*1 and 3 to 6 speakers

• Surround effects: Dolby Surround
(Pro Logic)

D

AV amplifier (receiver) with a
digital input jack having a Dolby
Digital or DTS*2 decoder and 6
speakers

• Surround effect s : Do lby Digital
(5.1ch), DTS (5.1ch)

*1

Manufactured under license from Dolby laboratories.
“Dolby,” “Pro Logic ,” and the double-D symbol ar e tr ademarks of
Dolby Laboratori es.

*2

“DTS” and “DTS Di gital Out” are tradem a rks of D igital Theater
Systems, Inc.

,continued

Step 4: Connecting the Audio Cords

19

A

Connecting to your TV

This connection will use your TV’s speakers for sound.

VHF/UHF

IN

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

1

2

OUT

CONTROL S IN

A

R-AUDIO-L

COAXIAL

OPTICAL

LINE OUT

VIDEO

LINE IN LINE OUT

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

1

3

S VIDEO

S VIDEO

S VIDEO

VIDEO

R-AUDIO-L

1

2

to LINE OUT (R-AUDIO-L) 1 or 2

(yellow)*

(white)

(red)

Audio/video cord
(supplied)

: Signal flow

* The yellow plug is used for video signals (page 18).

z Hint

When connecting to a monaural TV, use a stereo-mono conversion cord
(not supplied). Connect the LINE OUT (R-AUDIO-L) 1/2 jacks to the
TV’s audio input jack.

Y

P

B

P

R

COMPONENT

VIDEO OUT

(yellow)

(white)

(red)

DVD recorder

~

AC IN

TV

INPUT

VIDEO

L

AUDIO

R

B

Connecting to a stereo amplifier (receiver) and 2 speakers/Connecting to an MD deck or DAT deck

If your stereo amplifier (receiver) only has audio input jacks L
and R, use . If your amplifier (receiver) has a digital input
jack, or when connecting to an MD deck or DAT deck, use .
In this case, you can also connect the recorder directly to the MD
deck or DAT deck without using your stereo amplifier
(receiver).

to DIGITAL OUT
(COAXIAL or OPTICAL)

B-1

DVD recorder

VHF/UHF

IN

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

LINE IN LINE OUT

S VIDEO

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

COAXIAL

OUT

CONTROL S IN

1

OPTICAL

3

B-2 B-1

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

COAXIAL

OPTICAL

R-AUDIO-L

1

2

Coaxial digital cord
(not supplied)

Y

S VIDEO

VIDEO

P

B

P

R

COMPONENT

VIDEO OUT

R-AUDIO-L

1

2

or

Optical digital cord
(not suppli e d)

~

AC IN

LINE OUT

VIDEO

to LINE OUT
(R-AUDIO-L)
1 or 2

(white)(red)

Stereo audio
cord (not
supplied)

(white)(red)

B-2

S VIDEO

Note

Do not connect the LINE IN (AUDIO L/R) jacks to your TV’s audio
output jacks at the same time.

to coaxial or optical
digital input

[Speakers]

Stereo amplifier (receiver)

to audio input

Front (L)

MD deck/DAT deck

Front (R)

: Signal flow

z Hint

For connection , you can use the supplied audio/video cord instead

B-1

of using a separate stereo audio cord.

Step 4: Connecting the Audio Cords

20

C

Connecting to an AV amplifier

D

Connecting to an AV amplifier
(receiver) having a Dolby Surround (Pro
Logic) decoder and 3 to 6 speakers

If your AV amplifier (receiver) only has L and R audio input
jacks, use . If your amplifier (receiver) has a digital input
jack, use .
You can enjoy Dolby Surround effects only when playing Dolby
Surround audio or multi-channel audi o (Dolby Digital) discs.

to DIGITAL OUT
(COAXIAL or OPTICAL)

C-1

C-2

DVD recorder

VHF/UHF

IN

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

LINE IN LINE OUT

S VIDEO

R-AUDIO-L

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

COAXIAL

1

OUT

CONTROL S IN

OPTICAL

C-2 C-1

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

COAXIAL

OPTICAL

1

2

3

Coaxial digital cord
(not supplied)

Y

S VIDEO

VIDEO

P

B

P

R

COMPONENT

VIDEO OUT

1

2

R-AUDIO-L

LINE OUT

VIDEO

~

AC IN

S VIDEO

or

to LINE OUT
(R-AUDIO-L)
1 or 2

Optical digita l cord
(not supplied)

(red)

(white)

Stereo audio
cord (not
supplied)

(white)(red)

to coaxial or optical
digital input

[Speakers] [Speakers]

Amplifier (receiver)

to audio input

with Dolby Surround
decoder

Rear (L) Rear (R)

Front (R)

(receiver) with a digital input jack and
6 speakers

If your AV amplifier (receiver) has a Dolby Digital or DTS
decoder and a digital input jack, use this connection. Note that
the surround sound effects of this recorder cannot be used with
this connection.

DVD recorder

VHF/UHF

IN

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

LINE IN LINE OUT

S VIDEO

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

COAXIAL

OUT

CONTROL S IN

1

OPTICAL

3

R-AUDIO-L

1

2

Y

S VIDEO

VIDEO

P

B

P

R

COMPONENT
VIDEO OUT

to DIGITAL OUT
(COAXIAL or OPTICAL)

D

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

COAXIAL

OPTICAL

or

Optical digital cord
(not supplied)

Coaxial digital cord
(not supplied)

to coaxial digital inputto optical digital input

[Speakers] [Speakers]

AV amplifier
(receiver) having a
decoder

Rear (L)

Rear (R)

Front (R)

~

AC IN

Center

Basic Hookups and Settings

Subwoofer

Center

Rear (mono)

Front (L)

: Signal flow

z Hint

For correct speaker location, see th e operating instructions of the
connected components.

Note

When connecting 6 speakers, replace the monaural rear speaker with a
center speaker, 2 rear speakers, and a subwoofer.

Subwoofer Front (L)

: Signal flow

z Hint

For correct speaker location, see the operating instructions of the
connected components.

Note

After you have completed the connection, be sure to set “Dolby Digital”
to “Dolby Digital” and “DTS ” to “O n” unde r “Audio” in Easy Setup
(page 24). Otherwise, no sound or a loud no is e will com e from your
speakers.

Step 4: Connecting the Audio Cords

21

Step 5: Connecting the Power Cord

Step 7: Easy Setup

Connect the supplied power cord to the AC IN terminal of the
recorder. Then plug the recorder and TV power cords into an
AC outlet. After you conn ect the power cord, you must wait for
a short while before operating the recorder. You can operate
the recorder once the front panel display lights up and the
recorder enters standby mode.
If you connect addi tional equipment to this recorder (pages 29 to

30), be sure to connect the power cord after all connections are
complete.

~

AC IN

to AC IN

to AC outlet

Step 6: Preparing the Remote

Follow the steps below to make the minimum number of basic
adjustments for using the recorder. If you do not complete Easy
Setup, it will appear each time you turn on your recorder.
Make the settings below in the following order.

OSD Language Setup

m

Clock Se t up

m

Tuner and Channel Se tup

m

TV Type Setup

m

Audio Connection Setup

"/1

You can control the recorder using the supplied remote. Insert
two Size AA (R6) batteries by matching the 3 and # ends on
the batteries to the markings inside the battery compartment.
When using the remote, point it at the remote sensor on the
recorder.

Notes

• If the supplied remote interferes your other Sony DVD recorder or
player, change the command mode number for this recorder. For
details, see page 28.

• Do not leave the remote in an ext remely hot or humid place.

• Do not dr op any foreign object into the remot e ca sin g, particularly
when replacing the batteries.

• Do not exp ose the remote sensor to direct sunlight or a lightin g
apparatus. Doing so may cause a malfunction.

• If you do not use the remote for an extended period of time, remove the
batterie s to avoi d pos sibl e damag e fro m batte ry le akage a nd corr osi on.

RETURN

</M/m/,,
ENTER

a Turn on the TV.

b Press [/1.

The recorder turns on and the power indicator on the
front panel lights up in green.

c Switch the input selector on your TV so that

the signal from the recor der appears o n your
TV screen.

“Initial settings necessary to operate the DVD
recorder will be made. You can change them later
using Setup.” appears. If this message does not
appear, select “Easy Setup” from “SETUP” in the
System Menu to run Easy Setup. For details, see

“Settings and Adjustments” on page 90.

Step 5: Connecting the Power Cord

22

d Press ENTER.

The Setup Display for selecting the langu age used in
the on-screen display appears.

g Press M/m to select the item that matches the

antenna connection you selected on page 16
(Hookup 1, 2, or 3).

EASY SETUP

Select the screen Language.

English
Français

Language 1/5

e Press M/m to select a language, then press

ENTER.

The Setup Display for clock setting appears.

EASY SETUP Clock 2/5

Select a method for setting the clock.
If you select "Auto", this recorder will look for a
time signal when you turn it off.

Auto
Manual

f Press M/m to select the item that matches the

antenna connection you selected on page 16
(Hookup 1, 2, or 3).

◆ Hookup 1 and 3

Select “Auto,” then press ENTER.
The recorder automatically sets the clock by
searching for a channel that carries a time signal and
sets your time zone and Daylight Saving Time (if
applicable).

To activate the Auto Clock function, turn off the
recorder after finishing Easy Setup.
If your clock is set to the wrong time zone or
Daylight Saving Time, you can adjust these setti ngs
(page 93).
If your clock cannot be set automatically, set the
clock manually (page 93).

◆ Hookup 2

Select “Manual,” then press ENTER.
Set the clock manually using </M/m/,, and press
ENTER.

EASY SETUP Clock 2/5

Set the time and date manually.

9Sun / /14 9 00 AM:2003

Once the clock is set, the Tuner Preset display
appears.

EASY SETUP

Select the way in which you will receive channels.

Antenna
Cable

Tuner Preset 3/5

◆ Hookup 1 and 2

• Antenna

◆ Hookup 3

•Cable

h Press ENTER.

The Tuner Preset function automatically starts
searching for all of the receivable channels and
presets them.

EASY SETUP Tuner Preset 3/5

Searching for receivable channels.
Please wait.

Ch45

To set the channels manually, see page 92.

After the Tuner Preset is finished, the Setup Display
for selecting the aspect ratio of the connected TV
appears.

EASY SETUP TV Type 4/5

Select your TV screen type.

16 : 9
4 : 3 Letter Box
4 : 3 Pan Scan

i Press M/m to select the setting that matches

your TV type.

◆ If you have a 4:3 standard TV

• 4:3 Letter Box
Displays a wide picture with bands on the upper and
lower sections of the screen.

• 4:3 Pan Scan
Automatically di splays a wide picture on the entire
screen and cuts off the sections that do not fit.

◆ If you have a wide-screen TV or a 4:3 standard
TV with a wide-screen mode

•16:9

Basic Hookups and Settings

For details, see “TV type” on page 94.

Step 7: Easy Setup

,continued

23

j Press ENTER.

The Setup Display for selecting the type of jack used
to connect to your amplifier (receiver) appears.

EASY SETUP Audio Connection 5/5

Is this recorder connected to an amplifier (receiver)?
Select the type of jack you are using.

Yes : LINE OUT(R-AUDIO-L)
Yes : DIGITAL OUT
No

k Press M/m to select the type of jack (if any)

you are using to connect to an amplif ier
(receiver), then press ENTER.

Choose the item that matches the audio connection
you selected on pages 20 to 21 ( through ).

A

• If you connect just a TV and nothing else, select “No,”
then go to step 15.

B-1 C-1

• Select “Yes: LINE OUT (R-AUDIO-L),” then go to
step 15.

B-2 C-2

• Select “Yes: DIGITAL OUT.” The Setup Display for
“Dolby Digital” appears.

D

A D

l Press M/m to select the type of Dolby Digital

signal you wish to send to your amplifier
(receiver).

Choose the signal that matches the audio connection
you selected on pages 20 to 21 ( through ).

EASY SETUP Audio Connection 5/5

Dolby Digital

D-PCM
Dolby Digital

B

D

n Press M/m to select whether or not you wish

to send a DTS signal to your amplifier
(receiver) and press ENTER.

Choose the item that matches the audio connection
you selected on pages 20 to 21 ( through ).

B-2 C-2

•Off

D

• On (only if the amplifier (receiver) has a DTS decoder)

B

D

o Press ENTER when “Finish” appears.

Easy Setup is finished. All connections and setup
operations are complete.

EASY SETUP

Easy Setup is finished

Finish

To return to the previous step

Press RETURN.

z Hint

If you want to run Easy Setup again, sel ect “Easy Setup” in the Setup
Display (page 100).

Notes

• If t h ere are only a few channels in your area tha t c arry time signals,
setting the clock automatically may take up to about 20 minutes after
the recorder turns off. If nothing happens even after you wait about 20
minutes, set the clock manually in “Clock” of “Settin gs” (page 93).

• If you use the antenna connection Hookup 2 (page 17), make sure you
leave the cable box on.

• T o rec ord TV programs using the timer, you m ust set the c lock
accurately.

B-2 C-2

•D-PCM

D

• Dolby Digit al (only if the amplifier (receiver) has a
Dolby Digital decoder)

m Press ENTER.

The Setup Display for selecting the type of DTS
signal appears.

EASY SETUP Audio Connection 5/5

DTS

On
Off

Step 7: Easy Setup

24

Setting Up the VCR Plus®

c Press M/m to select “Settings,” then press

ENTER.

System

Setting up your r ecorder involves coordinating the TV channel
number (the numbe r you turn to on you r TV or recorder t o watch
a program) with the guide channel (the number that’s assi gned to
that channel in your TV program guide).
To find the guide channel numbers, look at the “Channel Line­up Chart” in the program guide for your area that feat u r e s V C R
PlusCode numbers.
Use the Channel Line-up Chart to ch eck that the guide channel
numbers match the TV channel your reco rder receives. If not,
you need to coordinate these numbers using th e following
procedure. If the guide and TV channel numbers are the same,
you can skip this procedure.

Number buttons,
SET

d Press M/m to select “Set VCR Plus+

Channels,” then press ENTER.

The display for setting VCR P lus+ ch annels ap pears.

Settings - Set VCR Plus+ Channels

Guide CH TV CH

- -

----

Channel list

- -

e Press M/m to select “Guide CH – TV CH,”

then press ENTER.

Settings - Set VCR Plus+ Channels

Guide CH TV CH

- -

- -

- - ----

- -

f Enter the guide channel number assigned in

the program guide using the number buttons,
then press SET.

Settings - Set VCR Plus+ Channels

Guide CH TV CH

- -

25

- - ----

25

Basic Hookups and Settings

SYSTEM MENU

RETURN

</M/m/,,
ENTER

a Press SYSTEM MENU while the r eco rder i s

stopped.

The System Menu appears.

DVD Recorder

Dual RW

SYSTEM
MENU

TITLE LIST

TIMER

TIMER LIST

DV/D8 EDIT

SETUP

Compatible

Plays/erases/edits recorded titles.

b Press M/m to select “SETUP,” then press

ENTER.

The Setup Display appears.

SETUP

Settings

Tuner Preset

Video

Set VCR Plus+ Channels

Audio

Clock

Features

Language

Options

Easy Setup

g Enter the TV channel number.

Settings - Set VCR Plus+ Channels

Guide CH TV CH

- -

25

- - ----

36

◆ For Hookup 1 or 3 (page 16)

Enter the actual number on your TV (and recorder)
using the number buttons, then press SET.

◆ For Hookup 2 (page 17)

Enter the cable box output channel (usually 2, 3, or

4) using the number buttons, then press SET.

h Repeat steps 5 to 7 for each channel number

that does not match.

i Press SYSTEM MENU repeatedly to exit the

menu.

To return to the previous step

Press RETURN.

,continued

Setting Up the VCR Plus® System

25

To check the channel settings

When displaying the “S et VCR Plus+ Channels” menu , pr ess
M/m to select “Channel List,” then press ENTER.
The display lists the chan nels whose guide channel num ber is not
as same as the TV channel number.

Setting Up the Remot e

Settings - VCR Plus+ Channel List

Guide CH TV CH

2

-

4

-

6

-

10

-

11

-

25

-

28

-

21
32

9

121

13
36

2

Guide CH TV CH

45
53

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

Close

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

To go to the next page, press m.
To return to the previous page, press M.

Page2

18

5

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

You can control your TV with the supplied remote by adjusting
the remote control’s signal.
If you connected the recorder to an AV amplifier (receiver), you
can also control the volume with the supplied remote.

Notes

• Depending on the connected unit, you may not be able to control your
TV or AV amplifier (receiver) with some or all of the buttons below.

• If you enter a new code numb er, the code number previo usl y entered
will be erased.

• When you replace the batteries of the remote, the code number may be
reset to the default setting. Set the appropriate code numb e r aga in.

Controlling TVs with the remote

TV/DVD switch

"/1

CH +/–

Number buttons,
SET

VOL +/–
TV/VIDEO

WIDE MODE

a Slide the TV/DVD switch to TV.

b Hold down [/1.

c Enter your TV’s manufacturer code (see

“Code numbers of controllable TVs” below)
using the number buttons.

d Release [/1.

When the TV/DVD switch is set to TV, the remote
performs the following:

[/1 Turns your TV on or off
VOL +/– Adjusts the volume of your TV
CH +/– Selects the channel on your TV
WIDE MODE Switches to or from the wide mode of a

Sony wide-screen TV
TV/VIDEO Switches your TV’s input source
Number buttons and

SET

Selects the channel on your TV

Setting Up the Remote

26

Code numbers of controllable TVs

If more than one code number is listed, try entering them one at
a time until you find the one th at works with your TV.

Controlling the volume of your AV amplifier (receiver) with the remote

Manufacturer Code number

Sony 01 (default)
Akai 04
AOC 04
Centurion 12
Coronado 03
Curtis-Mathes 12
Daytron 12
Emerson 03, 04, 14
Fisher 11
General Electric 06, 10
Gold Star 03, 04, 17
Hitachi 02, 03
J.C.Penney 04, 12
JVC 09
KMC 03
Magnavox 03, 08, 12
Marantz 04, 13
MGA/Mitsubishi 04, 12, 13, 17
NEC 04, 12
Panasonic 06, 19
Philco 03, 04
Philips 08, 21
Pioneer 16
Portland 03
Proscan 10
Quasar 06, 18
Radio Shack 05, 14
RCA 04, 10
Sampo 12
Samsung 03, 12, 20
Sanyo 11, 14
Scott 12
Sears 07, 10, 11
Sharp 03, 05, 18
Sylvania 08, 12
Teknika 03, 08, 14
Toshiba 07
Wards 03, 04, 12
Yorx 12
Zenith 15

TV/DVD switch

"/1

Number buttons,
SET

VOL +/–

a Slide the TV/DVD switch to DVD.

b Hold down [/1, and enter the manufacturer

code (see the table below) for your AV
amplifier (receiver) using the number
buttons.

c Release [/1.

The VOL +/– buttons control the AV amplifier’s
volume.

◆ If you want to control the TV’s volume

Slide the TV/DVD switch to TV.

z Hint

If you want to c on tr o l the TV’s volume even when the TV/DVD swit ch
is set to DVD, repeat the steps above and enter the code number 90
(default).

Code numbers of controllable AV amplifiers
(receivers)

If more than one code n u mb er is listed, try entering th e m on e a t
a time until you find the one that works with your AV amplifier
(receiver).

Manufacturer Code number

Sony 80, 88, 89, 91
Denon 84, 85, 86
Kenwood 92, 93
Onkyo 81, 82, 83
Pioneer 99
Sansui 87
Technics 97, 98
Yamaha 94, 95, 96

Basic Hookups and Settings

Setting Up the Remote

,continued

27

If you have a Sony DVD player or more than one Sony DVD recorder

If the supplied remote interferes with your other Sony DVD
recorder or player, set the command mode number for this
recorder and the supplied remote to one that differs from the
other Sony DVD recorder or player.
The default command mode setting for this recorder and the
supplied remote is DVD3.

d Press M/m to select “Command Mode,” then

press ENTER.

SETUP

Settings

Video

Audio

Features

Options

Easy Setup

Format Disc :
Dimmer :
Auto Display :
Command Mode :
Factory Setup

Selectable
Bright
On
DVD3

DVD1
DVD2
DVD3

e Press M/m to select the Command mode

(DVD1, DVD2, or DVD3), then press
ENTER.

f Slide the COMMAND MODE switch on the

remote so it matches the mode you sele cted
above.

SYSTEM
MENU

M/m, ENTER

RETURN

COMMAND MODE

a Press SYSTEM MENU.

The System Menu appears.

b Press M/m to select “SETUP,” then press

ENTER.

SETUP

Settings

Tuner Preset

Video

Set VCR Plus+ Channels

Audio

Clock

Features

Language

Options

Easy Setup

To return to the previous step

Press RETURN.

c Press M/m to select “Options,” then press

ENTER.

SETUP

Setting Up the Remote

28

Settings

Video

Audio

Features

Options

Easy Setup

Format Disc :
Dimmer :
Auto Display :
Command Mode :
Factory Setup

Selectable
Bright
On
DVD3

Connecting a VCR or Similar Recording Device to the LINE Jacks

You can use this recorder as the source player or as the recording
deck.
After disconnecting the recorder’s power cord from an AC
outlet, connect a VCR or similar recording device to the LINE
jacks of this recorder.
Use the DV IN jack on the front panel if the equipment has a DV
output jack (i.LINK jack) (page 75).
See also the instruction manual supplied with the connected
equipment.

How to connect to record on this recorder

Connect a VCR or similar recording device to the LINE IN jacks
of this recorder. See “Recording from connected equipment” on

page 88.

VCR, etc.

OUTPUT

AUDIO

RL

VIDEO

S Video

How to connect to record on other equipment

Connect a VCR or similar recording device to the LINE OUT
jacks of this recorder.

VCR, etc.

INPUT

AUDIO

RL

1

3

to LINE OUT 1 or 2

VHF/UHF

IN

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

COAXIAL

OUT

CONTROL S IN

OPTICAL

1

3

VIDEO

Audio/video
cord (not
supplied)

LINE OUT

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

LINE IN LINE OUT

S VIDEO

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

R-AUDIO-L

1

2

S VIDEO

VIDEO

S Video

S VIDEO cord
(not supplied)

DVD recorder

~

Y

S VIDEO

P

B

P

R

COMPONENT

VIDEO OUT

AC IN

Basic Hookups and Settings

1

3

to LINE IN 1 or 3

VHF/UHF

IN

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

COAXIAL

OUT

CONTROL S IN

OPTICAL

LINE IN

LINE IN LINE OUT

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

1

3

Audio/video
cord (not
supplied)

S VIDEO

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

S VIDEO

VIDEO

R-AUDIO-L

1

2

S VIDEO

Y

P

B

P

R

COMPONENT

VIDEO OUT

S VIDEO cord
(not supplied)

DVD recorder

~

AC IN

: Signal flow

z Hint

You can also use the LINE 2 IN jacks on the front panel of the recorder
(page 88).

Notes

• Do not connect the yellow LINE IN (VIDEO) jac k whe n usin g an S
VIDEO cord (not supplied).

• Pictures containing copy protection signals that prohibi t any copying
cannot be recorded.

: Signal flow

Notes

• If you pass the recorder signals via the VCR, you may not receive a
clear image on the TV screen.

VCRDVD recorder TV

• Do not connect the yellow LI N E IN (V IDEO) jack when using an S
VIDEO cord (not supplied).

Connecting a VCR or Similar Recording Device to the LINE Jacks

29

Connecting to a Satellite Receiver or a Cable Box

Connect a satellite receiver, digital cable box, or a cable box to
this recorder using the LINE IN 1/3 jacks. Disconnect the
recorder’s AC power cord from an AC outlet when connecting
the box.
To record on this recorder, see page 88. To use the Synchro Rec
function, see below.

Satellite receiver, etc.

OUTPUT

AUDIO

RL

VIDEO

Audio/video cord
(not supplied)

LINE IN

S VIDEO

1

3

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

to LINE IN 1 or 3 DVD recorder

VHF/UHF

IN

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/DTS/DOLBY DIGITAL

LINE IN LINE OUT

S VIDEO

VIDEOR-AUDIO-L

COAXIAL

OUT

CONTROL S IN

1

OPTICAL

3

R-AUDIO-L

1

2

Y

S VIDEO

VIDEO

P

B

P

R

COMPONENT

VIDEO OUT

~

AC IN

: Signal flow

If you want to use the Synchro Rec function

Connect a satellite receiver to LINE IN 1 jacks of this recorder.

See “Recording from External Equipment with a Timer ( Synchro
Rec)” on page 47.

Refer to your satellite receiver’s instructions for more
information.

Notes

• Synchro-Recording does not work with some boxes. For details, refer
to the box’s operating instructions.

• When connecting the LINE IN jacks to the cable box, be sure to al s o
connect the recorder’s antenna to the cable box.

Connecting to a Satellite Receiver or a Cable Box

30